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Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora Caves located in Maharashtra, India were discovered in 1819 by John Smith, a British Army Officer. The caves are an outstanding work of Indian architectural expertise is one of the most important tourist destination of the India Tour. The meticulously worked upon caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Set in the Sahyadri hills over the Waghora River, are a legacy of handwork and illustrate the chronicles of Buddhism spanning the period between 300BC and 650AD. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are an essential element in the Indian cultural tour packages. A visit to the small historical town of Aurangabad where the caves are nestled in a scenic backdrop is an ultimate vacation.
The 29 caves of Ajanta feature beautiful paintings, frescoes, murals, inscriptions in intricate calligraphy and sculptures. Built using elementary tools, these caves have some of the well preserved wall paintings including Boddhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. The caves also accommodate some of the Elysian sculptures and representations of Buddha’s discourse.
Approximately 30 kms away from the city of Aurangabad are the 34 Ellora with the magnificent illustrations and the elegantly fashioned interiors of the caves that exemplify a beautiful fusion of art, culture and architecture. These brilliant structures depict the fascinating beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The 17 caves in the centre are dedicated to Hinduism, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
The Kailasha temple in Cave 16 is an architectural marvel carved out of a megalith. The gateway, assembly hall, pavilion, sanctum and tower, are all chiselled out of a single rock. Distinct from most of the Indian temple structures that start from the base, the sculptures here start from the very top and the sides. The temple is one of the most massive and colossal of all the Indian temples and historical structures. The Dumar Lena cave temple is one of most beautiful temple of all the caves inspired by the Elephant Cave Temple.
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are about 100 kms and 30 kms from Aurangabad respectively. Aurangabad has an airport with regular flights to cities like Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Mumbai. Aurangabad Railway is well-connected by rail directly with major cities like Mumbai and Pune. Jalgaon Railway Station is on the central railway line – 59 km away from Ajanta. Aurangabad has a regular bus services to major cities like Pune, Mumbai, Jalgaon, Ahmedabad, Indore, etc. Transport facilities from Aurangabad to Ellora and from Jalgaon to Ajanta are also available. India tour operators offer several travel packages with most luxurious and comfortable accommodations. The Ajanta and Ellora caves assimilate the traits of nobility, piety and serenity, evocative of Buddha and his preaching.
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